May Events in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom

May is a beautiful month to come and enjoy the Northeast Kingdom. We have some of the most gorgeous lakes and mountains in Vermont that attract visitors from around the world. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, hiking or sightseeing, you will find plenty to do in the Kingdom.

We have some of the finest restaurants in Vermont and we’re just a short drive to Montreal and other wonderful Canadian towns and villages. At the Newport City Inn & Suites and the Derby Four Seasons Inn & Suites, you can literally rest in comfort with all this just outside the door. Whether it’s a mini-vacation or a week long stay, you’re guaranteed to feel right at home.

It seems there is always something going on from the Newport area down to St Johnsbury. There are plenty of events and things to do, see and enjoy, so why not indulge? Here are some events for the rest of May 2017 that we have compiled to get you off to a great start!

Things to do in the Northeast Kingdom

Honoring Sap Beer: Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Kingdom BrewingMay 19, 2017 353 Coburn Hill Rd. Newport VT
Join Brian Cook of Kingdom Brewing and Sean Lawson of Lawson’s Finest Liquids and learn about the history of sap beer and how it continues to be made today. Beer from both brewers will be served and the intimate setting of the Kingdom Brewing taproom will allow for Q&A with both Brian and Sean. Both breweries will have unique beers available for sampling and purchase during the later part of this event. Kingdom will have additional maple beers and Lawson’s will have a couple of IPAs brewed in Warren, VT. There will be a 25% discount on lodging at Jay Peak Resort that night for ticket holders. We will run a shuttle to and from the brewery before and after the event.
More information: www.kingdombrewingvt.com

Northsong Spring ConcertDate: Friday, May 19, 2017Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Northsong, the Newport-based chamber choir, will perform their annual Spring Concert. The program includes Durufle: Requiem and works by Mozart, Bartok, Willan and Stroope.
The concerts will be on Friday, May 19, at 7:30 PM at the Barton United Church, in Barton, VT, and on Sunday, May 21, at 4:00 PM at the Newport United Church, in Newport, VT. Both concert locations are accessible.
Barton United Church, 15 Glover Rd, Barton, VT 05822
More information: www.northsong.org

Burke Music JamDate: Sunday, May 21, 2017Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: Burke Community Building, 212 School Street, Burke, VT
Everyone with musical or singing talents is encouraged to participate. This will be a great session to just spend a Sunday afternoon or to listen or join in on the fun. Come and listen to your favorite players and singers.
$3.00 donation at the door. Door prizes and 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will be to benefit the Burke Senior Meal Site. Snacks and beverages will be available. This music jam will be on the third Sunday of each month.
More information: Theresa Stone: 802-525-3412 or Senior Meal Site: 802-467-3423 or the Town Hall Office: 802-467-3717

Northsong Spring ConcertDate: Sunday, May 21, 2017Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Newport United Church, 63 Third St, Newport, VT 05855
Northsong, the Newport-based chamber choir, will perform their annual Spring Concert. The program includes Durufle: Requiem and works by Mozart, Bartok, Willan and Stroope.
The concerts will be on Friday, May 19, at 7:30 PM at the Barton United Church, in Barton, VT, and on Sunday, May 21, at 4:00 PM at the Newport United Church, in Newport, VT. The suggested donation is $5.00. Both concert locations are accessible.
Contact: Shirley Harris at 802-895-4942
More information: www.northsong.org

Visit Ben’s Mill in Barnet, VTMay 27, 2018Location: 2236 W Barnet Rd, Barnet, VT 05821
Ben’s Mill, an old water powered woodworking mill (temporarily being run with a gas engine) on the Stevens River in Barnet, Vermont is open on weekends Memorial weekend (May 27) through Columbus Day weekend (October 8) and is full of history. Volunteers are on duty to show you the history of the mill. We do have private tours if you can’t make a weekend. Call Mike at 802-357-2010 to make a date. 2236 West Barnet Road, Barnet Vt. Check out our website @ www.bensmill.com. Blacksmith shop is operational. The season ends with our one fundraiser..a Rubber Ducky Derby on Saturday October 7. Ducks swim at 11 AM. Mill tours, Kids table, food, fun. If you would like to volunteer for time at the mill, call Mike or Hiram (603-653-3046) and they would be glad to accept your help.

Beyond Polarity: Stories of Civil Civic DialogueDate: Wednesday, May 31, 2017Time: 7:00 pmLocation: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
An evening with Susan Clark. She will share research and stories about local democracy, to bring to life why now, more than ever, ordinary people can make meaningful change through creative, civil civic dialogue.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome! The Athenaeum is handicapped accessible.
More information: 802-748-6313

American Exceptionalism RevisitedJune 7, 2017 Goodrich Library, 202 Main Street Newport VT
Derek Boothby, former director of the UN’s Department of Political Affairs, considers how the determination of America’s original settlers to create a society different from the 18th century European model has fared in the long term, and offers a naturalized American’s assessment of whether modern America is all that different from anywhere else. Part of the First Wednesdays free public lecture series. A Vermont Humanities Council event.
More information: goodrichlibrary.org

An Evening with Les Poules A ColinJuly 6, 2017 through July 6, 2017 The Haskell Opera House, 93 Caswell Avenue Derby Line VT
The new face of Quebec folk-trad. Taking their name from a popular traditional song, Les Poules a Colin are a new take on a time-tested recipe –five childhood friends who still live on the same street, sharing a history of music-making and family ties. Exposed to Quebecois and other folk music from the moment they were hatched, these offspring of trad musicians were immersed in music, they have grown up with and learned their craft firsthand from some of Quebec’s finest, whether backstage at international festivals or at lively kitchen jams in Lanaudiere, arguably Quebec’s most musical region. The group’s sound is a seamless blend of their strong folk upbringing and North American influences that range from old-time to jazz, with some provocative and moody effects.
More information: haskellopera.com